My child at the crisis centre
Support and safety for children at Gaia Crisis Centre
We have time for children
When a child moves into Gaia Crisis Centre, it is usually because they have witnessed or experienced violence in the family. We create safe surroundings and a calm daily routine so the child can settle in and feel secure. From there, we build a foundation for being able to talk with the child about what they have experienced – when and if the child is ready.
After moving in, we will offer counselling sessions in cooperation with you, so we can get to know your child and you better. This helps us support your stay in the best possible way.
At Gaia Crisis Centre, we employ educators with a special focus on children’s wellbeing. As a starting point, you are responsible for caring for your child during your stay. If you need childcare in connection with important meetings, both inside and outside the house, we can offer support. This is always arranged in cooperation with both the educator and your key worker, and we naturally take into account you, your child, and the child’s age.
After a few days, we offer you and your child a conversation with an educator and your key worker. Here we talk about what it means for your family to live in a crisis centre. Your child will have the opportunity, at their own pace, to share their experiences. Together we make a plan for the child’s daily life, including attendance at nursery, school, and other relevant activities.
How can I get help?
We take phone calls 24/7.
You can also get help here:
Lev Uden Volds 24/7 hotline: 1888
Mødrehjælpens chat or hotline: 33 45 86 00
Children at the crisis centre
The aim of our work with children is:
- To create structure and predictability in relation to the child’s current everyday life at the crisis centre.
- To ensure that the child feels seen and heard, and that we take their experiences seriously.
- To support the processing of experiences that the child has witnessed and/or been exposed to themselves.
During the stay, the following options are available:
- The child is offered conversations with an educator – regardless of the child’s age
- Mother/child sessions together with the educator
- Support in contacting schools, daycare, and other relevant institutions
- Help in arranging activities for you and your child
- The child is offered a trauma-focused intervention in agreement with you
It is our aim that you remain the primary caregiver, because you know your child best, even while you are staying in our house.
Psychological counselling for children at the crisis centre:
According to the Danish Social Services Act (Serviceloven), your child is entitled to psychological treatment when they accompany you to a crisis centre. We arrange contact with a psychologist in agreement with you. Your child can receive up to 10 sessions with a psychologist.
Duty to notify authorities:
You have the option to stay anonymously at a crisis centre. However, if you bring your children under the age of 18, we have a legal duty to report this under the Danish Social Services Act (Serviceloven).
We never submit a report without involving you as the mother.
We see a report as an opportunity to ensure that your family receives the right support. When a report is made, the municipality is informed about your situation and can offer the help you need.
